Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
Happy Independence Day! If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the 4th of July, check out my list of Independence Day Celebrations Around Columbus!
1. Independence Day Family Value Week at Young’s Dairy
Through July 7th, you can purchase a special value wristband good for all unlimited fun at Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs. Activities include Udders & Putters miniature golf, batting cages, driving range, Wagon Tour on the Farm, Moovers & Shakers, Cowvin’s Fast Slide, and Cowvin’s Kiddie Corral. Each wristband is good for all day fun on the date purchased. Wristbands are $20 (ages 12 & over) $14 (ages 11 & under) and can be purchased at Udders & Putters.
2. Granville 4th of July Celebration
The Granville Kiwanis July 4th Celebrations take place July 3-6 and include several contests and events! Each day you can enjoy midway concessions and rides! Party in the Park takes place on Friday at Wildwood Park from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM and includes live music and food vendors. Fireworks take place on Friday at 10:00 PM. See link for entire schedule of events!
3. Disney’s The Lion King at Ohio Theatre
Watch the Broadway Show, Disney’s The Lion King at Ohio Theatre this weekend! Upcoming show times are Thursday at 1:00 PM, Friday at 8:00 PM, Saturday at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, Sunday at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM.
4. Commons for Kids at Columbus Commons
Each Friday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Columbus Commons, kids of all ages can enjoy activities like free carousel rides, lawn games, and activities by community partners. This week’s theme is Health & Safety.
5. Furry Friends Storytime at Hilliard Library
Enjoy a storytime about your favorite furry friends and pets at the Hilliard Branch of CML on Friday at 10:00 AM. The storytime will be repeated again at 11:00 AM. Ideal for ages 3 and under.
6. Explore More at Worthington Park Library
This event for preschoolers and their caregivers will include songs, rhymes, books and center-based activities to develop ready-for-kindergaten skills on Friday at 10:30 AM.
7. From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center
On Friday or Saturday at 1:30 PM, get free admission to see Where the Wild Things Are (PG) at Gateway Film Center with your library card as part of the Book to Film series!
8. Heart of Grove City Food Truck Festival and Shop Hop
Enjoy food trucks and a shop hop in Grove City Town Center on Friday night from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM. There will also be a concert from Central Ohio Brass Band beginning at 7:00 PM at Town Center Park.
9. First Friday Food, Flicks & Fun at Huber Park
On Friday at 5:00 PM enjoy food trucks, family-friendly activities, live music and a movie at dusk. This week’s movie is The Marvels.
10. Father-Daughter Fishing at Scioto Grove Metro Park
On Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM father/daughter fishing will be taking place in the quarry lake at Scioto Grove Metro Park with all equipment provided. You must register in advance for this event.
11. Independence Day Celebration at Ohio Village
Celebrate Independence Day 1890’s style at Ohio Village on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Learn how this holiday was celebrated in the 1890’s with activities and interactions with the artisans and residents of Ohio Village!
12. World of the Last Airbender at Blendon Woods Metro Park
There will be Avatar-themed activities at the Nature Center at Blendon Woods Metro Park on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Learn about the hybrid animals in the show, practice making fire and take home a craft!
13. Performance Dogs of Ohio at Hanby Park
Watch the Performance Dogs of Ohio do tricks, stunts and frisbee skills in Hanby Park at either 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM on Saturday. (There will be 2 of the same shows back to back).
14. Open Studio at Columbus Museum of Art
Get creative during Open Studio at Columbus Museum of Art on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Sensory hour is from 10:00–11:00 AM. The theme is Groovy Summer and there will be a 70’s inspired color palette, peace signs and smiley faces. Open Studio is included in regular admission.
15. Kids Series at Grandview Theater & Drafthouse
This Saturday at 11:00 AM, watch Casper at Grandview Theatre and Drafthouse. Admission is free for kids!
16. Car, Truck & Bike Show in Grove City
This car show will feature a display of classic and antique cars, trucks and motorcycles and will on view from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Saturday in Grove City Town Center.
17. Magic Show and Touch a Truck at Storyline Bookshop
Celebrate the Grand Opening of Storyline Bookshop in Upper Arlington this weekend (Saturday and Sunday). Kid-friendly events include a storytime Magic show with Magic Nate on Saturday at 12:00 PM and a fire safety storytime and touch-a-truck event at 1:00 PM.
18. Bring the Farm to You at Main Library
There will be over 20 hands-on homesteading activities at Main Library including sifting grain, rolling dough, using washboards and more on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
19. Happy Accidents at Hilltop Library
Learn about accidental discoveries like potato chips and chocolate chip cookies at this program at the Hilltop Branch of CML on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Ideal for ages 7-11.
20. Cinema Saturdays at Riverside Crossing Park
There are two movie options for Saturday night at Riverside Crossing Park in Dublin. The first is Finding Nemo at 5:30 PM and the second is Barbie at 7:30 PM. Bring a blanket!
21. Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory
Residents of Columbus and Franklin County receive free General Admission to Franklin Park Conservatory on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Identification is required. The Worthington Jammers will be in the Children’s Garden from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
22. Family Creeking at Highbanks Metro Park
Explore the Olentangy River to look for animals that live there on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Highbanks Metro Park. Shoes are required and a towel and change of clothes is recommended! Meet at the Big Meadows Picnic Area.
23. Sundays with the Symphony
Enjoy a free concert by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra on Sunday at 7:00 PM at Linden Park. Free ice cream will be available beginning at 6:45 PM. This concert is family-friendly and lasts for one hour.
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*Please be aware, information is gathered from multiple community sources. Times, dates and locations are subject to change. There may be a fee to participate in a featured activity. Please call ahead or check links to confirm activities. Inclusion of an event on this list is not considered an endorsement. Please use your best judgement when attending public events and consult your doctor if you have questions regarding the safety level of a public event. Read my disclaimer here. Enjoy what you do today!*